Musical invitation box (plays music when box is opened)

ABSTRACT

Musical invitation box containing a light-activated sound module for generating and playing prerecorded sound tracks upon the opening of the box or removal of its contents (invitation). Operation of the sound module may be activated by the opening (or removal) of the box lid and exposing it to light. The box is configured with a shelf that hides the sound module from view so that the source of the sound is concealed. The music or alternative audio can be stopped or restarted by closing and reopening the box.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

In Wilson, U.S. Pat. No. 4,299,041, there is disclosed an animateddevice, which may be included in a greeting card, that provides bothvisual and auditory effects though electronic circuitry. Anotherexample, in Sanford, U.S. Pat. No. 3,798,806, and Tarrant, U.S. Pat. No.4,102,067 there are disclosed greeting cards that include mechanicalmusic boxes formed—from a unitary member having a natural hinge forclosing and opening the card, A back cover carries a music box. The cardis maintained closed by communication between the front and back coversin interference fit relation. Upon separating the covers to open thecard the music box element is actuated and sound begins.

In all the examples above, sound is produced when some sort of elementis opened. However, in none of these examples is the sound produced theresult of a light activation and none are applicable to including acustom invitation inside.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure and related inventions relate to invitation boxesand more specifically to sound-producing invitation boxes that aredesigned to generate sound when the user opens the box.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There are three pieces to this invention. The invitation box, thelight-activated sound module, and the shelf The sound module ispositioned inside the box under the shelf with just the light-activationsensor visible. The invention works when someone opens the box, exposingthe sensor to ambient light and delivering power to activate the soundmodule.

The box is made of cardboard and is custom wrapped in any desiredcombination of color papers. The boxes are stock items purchased from athird-party.

The sound modules are made of plastic and metal and comprise of: aprocessor, a printed circuit board, memory, three AG10 batteries, a 40mm speaker, and a light sensor on a 2 inch wire. Providing a soundduration up to 100 seconds, these are purchased from a third party andthen recorded by us using a computer.

The shelf is made from 18 lb white cover stock and scored using a customdie so it can fold to the desired configuration. Each sheet of stock isoriginally 11×17 inches, but we trim to fit inside the bottom half ofany size invitation box (standards include 5×7, 6×6, 6×9, and 8×8inches) so it fits snugly. The sound module is adhered to the bottomportion of the shelf and the top portion of the shelf folds over to hidethe module. The shelf acts like a false bottom, effectively concealingthe works of the playback system. There is a slit inside the top portionof the shelf into which the wire from the light-activated sound moduleslips. This slit holds the wire in place, correctly positioning thesensor to be exposed to ambient light when the box is opened, initiatingplayback of the recorded music or message. When the box is closed, thelight is cut off and the supply of power ceases, silencing the unit.When the box lid is removed, the sound module is again activated and therecorded sounds play.

The shelf is constructed from suitable cardstock and folded to form theshelf bottom and the shelf top flap—providing three panels. Panel A isthe shelf bottom, Panel B is the die-cut folded section that creates atwo-sided box, and Panel C is the top flap that when folded down formsthe top of the shelf The shelf construction can be executed in anysquare or rectangular size. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG.3, the three panels A, B and C, are connected respectively along fold(score) lines 1 and 2. The sound module is mounted on top of Panel A,covered by Panel C when Panel C is folded (as shown in FIG. 4). Thecavity thus formed between panels C and A forms the interior volume ofthe shelf, sufficient to contain and conceal the sound module betweenpanels A and B (as shown in FIG. 4). The shelf with sound module takesup about ¼ inch of the bottom depth of the box. Since the box is 1 inchdeep in total, this leave ¾ inch of space for an invitation to be placedon top of the shelf (Panel C); hence, the invitation is the first thingseen when the box is opened. The light sensor at the end of the wire isnot covered by the invitation and therefore, is activated when the boxis opened and the interior is exposed to ambient light.

BACKGROUND

This product came about because the inventor wanted to send weddingguests an invitation that played music when they opened it. There wereno options available to her where she could customize the invitation andthe song to be played. Therefore, she designed and built the invitationsherself, found a supplier for the light-activated music module, anddesigned a shelf that can be custom-fitted to different box sizes inorder to mount the module hidden from view but enable it to activate(play the prerecorded song) when the box is opened.

Conventional paper greeting cards are widely used for celebratoryoccasions such as birthdays, graduations, weddings, and othercommunication and social expression purposes. Traditional textinformation is generally found on paper greeting cards. More recently,sound has been added to traditional paper greeting cards, in the form ofelectrically powered compact circuits with prerecorded messages andmusic to increase the entertainment value of cards. This is accomplishedby circuitry that is contained within the greeting card, such as betweenpanels or pages of the card. The use of popular music and media has madesound-generating greeting cards increasingly popular. Conventionalgreeting cards are most commonly “gate-folded” in the manner of a book,with a front panel connected along a fold line to a back panel, witheach panel having a front and back side. The sound is activated when thecard opens; physically sliding a plastic tab which closes the circuitand delivers stored battery power to activate the music. None of thesesound cards are activated by light. In addition, there is nocustomizable card that incorporates an invitation, a box and music foruse as an invitation to invite people to a celebration such as awedding, baby shower, or other type of party.

With the popularity of personal printers, many individuals today preparetheir own invitations. In doing so, individuals may make customizedchoices and may design an invitation in a manner that is desired,including choosing the appearance of the design or pictures to appearthereon, the wording, the card stock, colors and other attributes.

Therefore, a need exists for an improved container that may be used tocommunicate a sound message or music and provide individuals with thefreedom to customize the card as well as the message or sound andreliably protect the sound message when being mailed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. FIG. 1 shows the two-piece invitation box

FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows the light-activated sound module

FIG. 3. FIG. 3 shows the shelf flat (unfolded)—panels A, B, C

FIG. 4. FIG. 4 shows the shelf folded and the cavity created thereby andthe light sensor wire fitting in the slit

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1. Referring now to the invention in more detail, in FIG. 1provides a perspective view of the invitation box. It has two pieces—alid FIG. 1.1 and a base FIG. 1.2. The Lid fits over the Base. The Baseis approximately 1″ deep. The exterior of the invitation box lid FIG.1.1 can be physically decorated and/or ornamented in a variety of ways.In more detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 1, the foldedshelf compartment in FIG. 2 sits inside the base FIG. 1.2 and when theLid (FIG. 1.1) is fitted on the Base (FIG. 1.2), it is complete darknessinside. When the Lid (FIG. 1.1) is removed from the Base (FIG. 1.2), thelight activates the sound. In further detail, still referring to theinvention of FIG. 1, the box can come in varying sizes to fit standardinvitations (5 inches×7 inches, 6 inches×6 inches, 5 inches×9 inches, 8inches×8 inches). A 5×7 box is known to fit an A7 invitation size. Theconstruction details of the invention as shown in FIG. 1 are that thebox is made of cardboard that is sufficiently rigid to protect theinvitation and sound module inside.

FIG. 2. Referring now to the invention in more detail, in FIG. 2 thereis shown the sound module. The sound module has 9 parts: FIG. 2.3 is theadhesive paper backing of the sound module, FIG. 2.4 is the speaker,FIG. 2.5 is the processor, FIG. 2.6 are the three batteries, FIG. 2.7 isthe light activated wire, FIG. 2.8 is the memory where the sound/musicis stored and FIG. 2.9 is the input system where the sound is inputted.In more detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 2 the soundmodule as shown has the removable paper backing (FIG. 2.3) which exposesthe adhesive to secure the sound module to the shelf in FIG. 3. Thesound is recorded to the processor FIG. 2.5 where it is stored in thememory of FIG. 2.8. The sound plays when the light sensor FIG. 2.7 isexposed to light. In further detail, still referring to the invention ofFIG. 2 the overall size of the sound module on the backing paper is 2inches by 4 inches and has a thickness of less than ¼ inch. Theconstruction details of the invention as shown in FIG. 2 is that themodule is made of metal and plastic.

FIG. 3. Referring now to the invention in more detail, in FIG. 3 thereis shown a shelf which is a die-cut piece of white cardstock that can betrimmed to fit any size invitation box. The cardstock has two scores onit which allow it to fold and create a cavity of ¼ inch where the soundmodule (FIG. 2) fits inside. The score lines create three panels FIG.3A,B,C. Panel C folds over Panel A to hide the sound module (FIG. 3 a).In more detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 3, the shelfalso has a slit that the sound module's light sensor wire (FIG. 2.7)fits into and is therefore held in place so that when the LID (FIG. 1.1)is removed from the base (FIG. 1.2), the sensor reacts to the light andplays the sound. In further detail, still referring to the invention ofFIG. 3, the shelf can be trimmed to fit any of the standard invitationbox sizes as mentioned in the details of FIG. 1. The constructiondetails of the invention as shown in FIG. 3 is 18# white cardstock with2 score lines.

FIG. 4. Referring now to the invention in more detail, in FIG. 4 thereare shown three drawings illustrating how the shelf folds and hides thesound module (FIG. 2). FIG. 4 a shows the perspective from the side withthe light sensor wire fitting in the slit. In further detail, stillreferring to the invention of FIG. 4 the shelf with the adhered soundmodule is put inside the base FIG. 1.2. Since the shelf is made of thesame color as the inside of the base FIG. 1.2, it gives the appearanceof the base bottom and other than the light sensor shown, there is noindication there is anything in the box. The shelf FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 notonly hide the sound module but keep it securely in place so that it isprotected and can be shipped through the postal system without damage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. FIG. 1 shows the two-piece invitation box

FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows the light-activated sound module

FIG. 3. FIG. 3 shows the shelf flat (unfolded)—panels A, B, C

FIG. 4. FIG. 4 shows the shelf folded and the cavity created thereby andthe light sensor wire fitting in the slit

Filing Publication Cited Patent Date Date Applicant Title US892675 Nov.Jul. 7, 1908 William T Letter-sheet. 17, Morrison 1906 U.S. Pat. No.2,336,867 Feb. 24, Dec. 14, Clarence W West Individual price-banded card1943 1943 And Grant Gill and envelope unit U.S. Pat. No. 6,036,806 Jul.10, Mar. 14, Sleepeck Printing Pop-up advertising device and 1998 2000Company method U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,108 Feb. 5, Feb. 7, 1995 Crowell;Multi-purpose, universally 1993 Christopher S. applicable re-recordable,audible, message delivery system U.S. Pat. No. 8,448,360 B2 Aug. 5, May28, American Flap sensor activated greeting 2010 2013 Greetings cardsCorporation U.S. Pat. No. 6,036,806 Aug. 5, May 28, American Flap sensoractivated greeting 2011 2013 Greetings cards Corporation U.S. Pat. No.8,549,776 Aug. Oct. 8, 2013 American Flap sensor activated greeting 29,Greetings cards 2012 Corporation U.S. Pat. No. 6,523,285 Sep. 5, Feb.25, 2003 Hallmark Cards Animated music box card 2000 Incorporated U.S.Pat. No. 8,374,878 Jun. Feb. 12, 2013 American Audio Envelope 23,Greeting Corp 2009 US09/338,879 Jun. Aug. 9, 2001 Jim Song Music boxwith integrated light 23, sensor 1999 U.S. Pat. No. 4,791,741 A Sep. 3,Dec. 20, Takenori Kondo Card with built-in 1987 1988 record/playbackcapability US2060042135 Sep. 1 Oct. 13, 2009 Terry Sound device forenhancing 2004 Hermanson, gift packages, and method and Huang Meng-system for marketing such Suen device U.S. Pat. No. 3,798,806 A May Mar.26, Sanford D Animated music box card 14, 1974 1973 WO 2004037645 Oct.14, May 6, 2004 Alana E Bell Packaging with sound strip A2 2003

What is claimed is:
 1. A musical invitation box, comprising: a two-piece(lid and base) invitation box that includes an interior; and a foldableremovable shelf and a light-activated sound module that is mounted onsaid interior of said foldable shelf and is activated when saidinvitation box lid is removed (opened) and exposes said interior tolight that activates said light-activated sound module.
 2. The musicalinvitation box according to claim 1, wherein said sound modulecomprises: A processor; Memory; A light sensor to activate said soundmodule when said light sensor is exposed to light; An adhesive base thatserves as an interface between said sound module and said interior ofsaid shelf; A 40 mm speaker that is attached to said base that emitssaid input music or sounds; An input system to input a plurality ofmusic or sounds stored on said memory system; Three AG10 batteries toprovide electrical power to said sound module.
 3. The musical invitationbox according to claim 2, wherein said processor is activated byexposure to light of the said sound module and plays the prerecordedsound file of said music or sounds.
 4. The musical invitation boxaccording to claim 2, wherein said processor terminates said musicalinvitation box when said light sensor is exposed to an absence of light.5. The musical invitation box according to claim 2, wherein box containsan invitation.
 6. The musical invitation box according to claim 1,wherein said 2-piece box is made of a material selected from the groupconsisting of cardboard or paper.
 7. The musical invitation boxaccording to claim 1, wherein said foldable shelf is made of a materialselected from the group consisting of cardstock and has scores to foldinto a shelf which hides the said sound module from sight and also keepsthe light-activation sensor in place so that it will be exposed to lightwhen the box is opened.